Investing Updates : Ethereum Turns 10: What's Coming in the Next Decade?

Source : 

https://decrypt.co/332724/ethereum-turns-10-whats-coming-next-decade

ChatGPT :

As Ethereum marks its 10th anniversary, experts are looking ahead to a transformative decade that could see the network evolve into the “base layer of the global economy.”

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🔧 What’s Coming in the Next 5 Years

- Major Upgrades Ahead: Upcoming updates like Fusaka (2025) and Glamsterdam (2026) aim to improve data efficiency, user experience, and network capabilities.

- 10x Scaling Goal: Vitalik Buterin and others project 10x scaling of Layer 1 (L1) by 2026, alongside improved Layer 2 (L2) interoperability.

- Interoperability Focus: Ethereum’s challenge is to make L2 networks feel like one unified system—seamless, fast, and low-cost.

- "Surge," "Scourge," "Verge," "Purge," "Splurge": These grouped upgrades will enhance transaction speed, simplify node operation, and boost network decentralization.

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🧩 The Endgame Vision (Next 10 Years)

- Danksharding & Verkle Trees: Planned innovations will reduce node hardware needs and make Ethereum more scalable and efficient.

- Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Tech: Expected integration into Ethereum's base layer could unlock privacy-preserving digital IDs and stronger institutional trust.

- Institutional Adoption: With ETF inflows growing and firms like BlackRock tokenizing assets on Ethereum, it’s increasingly seen as Wall Street’s settlement layer.

- Tokenization of Everything: From bonds to equities, experts predict most real-world assets will be represented on-chain.

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⚛️ Quantum Threats? Ethereum Says: “We’re Ready”

- While quantum computing may pose future risks, Ethereum leaders believe the network is the most prepared to adapt, with quantum-resistant cryptography already in development.

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🔮 Final Outlook

- Ethereum’s next phase is about mainstream adoption, usability, and infrastructure dominance.

- Experts believe Ethereum could surpass Bitcoin in value and utility as it becomes a trustworthy, programmable financial layer for global systems.

“The first decade was about idealism,” said one Ethereum leader. “The next will be about adoption.”

Opinion :

Bullish for Ethereum.

Predicting the top 2 to be BTC, ETH for some time.

Not sure who will be number 3.

Investing Updates : Trump's Bold Gamble: Could a $9T Pension Shift to Crypto Shake Market?

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/55621108/trump-s-bold-gamble-could-a-9t-pension-shift-to?level=1&data_ticket=1752898809311001

Apple Intelligence : 

• Executive Order: President Trump is expected to sign an executive order opening the $9 trillion 401(k) pension market to cryptocurrencies, gold, and private equity.

• Potential Impact: The order could shift retirement funds from traditional assets to high-risk digital assets, potentially “rewiring” how Americans manage their savings.

• Trump’s Stance on Crypto: Trump has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrencies, criticising strict regulations and investing heavily in digital assets through his company.

• Congressional Action on Crypto: The House passed three bills: the CLARITY Act, GENIUS Act, and Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

• GENIUS Act Impact: Legitimises stablecoins as payment-grade assets, potentially benefiting large issuers like Circle.

• Potential Consequences: Increased user activity, higher transaction fees, and potential dominance of established players in the stablecoin and exchange space.

• Stablecoin Adoption: PayPal and Visa now support stablecoins for cross-border and online payments.

• Banking Opportunities: Banks like JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo can benefit from managing stablecoin reserves and offering crypto custody services.

• Fintech Advantages: Fintechs like SoFi can leverage their technological expertise to offer comprehensive crypto services, potentially undercutting banks on fees.

• Potential Risks: Steep fees, high leverage ratios, and opaque asset valuations associated with illiquid private equity assets.

• Regulatory Challenges: Balancing innovation with investor protection in the retirement market.

• Impact on Retirement Savings: Potential for broader access to technological dividends but also exposure to novel risks.

Opinion : 

Very bullish for stablecoins.

I think DeFi Aave stablecoin yields will increase in demand.

ETH gas fees are still low during weekends.

Gaming Updates : What’s Next for 'MapleStory Universe'? More Ways to Play

Source : 

https://decrypt.co/327787/whats-next-maplestory-universe-more-ways-play

ChatGPT : 

Summary: What’s Next for MapleStory Universe?

Following the launch of MapleStory N, Nexpace (blockchain arm of Nexon) plans to *expand the MapleStory Universe* into a broader, more accessible ecosystem with mobile and web-based experiences by Q1 2026**.

🔹 Key Highlights:

- MapleStory N is a PC-based MMORPG where in-game items are represented as NFTs on the Avalanche-based Henesys blockchain.

- Nexpace aims to lower the entry barrier by launching over a dozen lighter mobile/web apps tied to the core game.

- First web app (launching by August 2025) will allow players to enhance items.

- Future apps will let users level characters, do quests, or grind XP on the go.

- A character rental system—where players can pay others to level up for them—is also being developed for release by early 2026.

🔧 Builder Ecosystem:

- Currently, third-party developers must get Nexpace approval and an API key to build.

- A developer portal is set to launch in Q3/Q4 2025, moving the platform toward a permissionless model.

- Builders will be rewarded in NXPC tokens, with 80% of supply reserved for contributors.

💬 Vision:

- Inspired by games like EA FC Ultimate Team, Nexpace wants MapleStory fans to casually engage with the universe throughout the day (e.g., while commuting or working), saving deep gameplay for weekends.

- All efforts aim to accommodate the aging player base, many of whom now have less time for PC gaming.

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Bottom Line: MapleStory Universe is evolving beyond the PC with mobile/web expansions, contributor incentives, and eventual decentralization—making the iconic RPG more accessible for modern, time-strapped players.

Investing Updates : CNA Explains: Singapore's tightened crypto licensing rules – 'closing the door' or 'raising the bar'?

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/crypto-licensing-mas-cna-explains-5186446

Apple Intelligence : 

• Regulation Target: Unlicensed cryptocurrency firms operating in Singapore that only serve overseas markets.

• Regulation Deadline: June 30.

• Regulation Goal: Closing a loophole and ensuring digital token service providers meet the same standards to bolster trust and align with global anti-money laundering efforts.

• Regulation Impact: Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is implementing stricter regulations on cryptocurrency firms, impacting both licensed and unlicensed entities.

• Licensing Challenges: While major players like Coinbase and OKX have obtained licenses, smaller firms face difficulties in obtaining licenses and complying with new regulations.

• Industry Response: Larger firms are adapting by relocating staff and operations, while smaller firms may face compliance costs, legal restructuring, or shutdown.

• Impact on Employees: Employees working for digital token firms generally do not have to relocate due to MAS’ stricter rules.

• Industry Reaction: Singapore’s approach to crypto, while not universally embraced, has been consistent.

• Compliance Efforts: Centralized exchanges have implemented enhanced KYC and AML measures to comply with regulations and prevent illicit activities.

• MAS’s Stance on Crypto Businesses: Firms with a substantive presence in Singapore, including servicing local customers, can still obtain licenses.

• Industry Preparation Time: The industry has had sufficient time to prepare for licensing requirements since the Financial Services and Markets Act was passed in April 2022.

• Impact of MAS’s Decision: A small number of providers are affected, and it doesn’t signify hostility towards digital assets but rather emphasizes meeting Singapore’s standards.

Rewards Updates : Crypto Exchanges Referral Rewards Ending?

Opinion : 

I've noticed recently many crypto exchanges in SG stopping their referral program rewards.

That's bad news. Not sure why they aren't allowed to give incentives like traditional brokerages.

Markets are around all time high right now. Personally, I'm waiting for some pullback to DCA. Meantime, let's enjoy the remaining school holidays.

Investing Updates : Crypto awareness in Singapore hits record 94%, but ownership falls

Source : 

https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-crypto-awareness-2024-survey?utm_source=feedly_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

Apple Intelligence : 

• Crypto Awareness: Reached a record high of 94% in Singapore.

• Crypto Ownership: Declined to 29% in 2025 from 40% in 2024.

• Investor Demographics: Millennials and Gen X dominate the investor base, comprising 71% of all holders.

• Bitcoin Dominance: Bitcoin remains the most popular cryptocurrency in Singapore, held by 68% of investors and viewed as a currency, store of value, or investment asset by 86%.

• Investment Strategies: Direct ownership is preferred over ETFs, and arbitrage trading is on the rise, with 67% of respondents capitalizing on price swings.

• Singapore’s Crypto Hub Status: Singapore leads the world in blockchain patents, crypto-related jobs, and active cryptocurrency exchanges, solidifying its position as a global hub.

Investing Updates : Brave Wallet Adds Cardano Support

Source : 

https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/brave-wallet-adds-cardano-support/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Cardano Integration: Brave Wallet will support Cardano, allowing users to trade Cardano-native tokens.

• Partnership Goal: The partnership aims to improve Web3 interoperability, privacy, and user control.

• Cardano Functionality: Cardano users can manage assets, sign transactions, and participate in on-chain governance within Brave Wallet.

• Brave Wallet Integration: Brave Wallet now supports Cardano, expanding its multi-chain capabilities.

• Partnership Vision: Brave and IO share a vision for a more secure, accessible, and user-respecting Web3.

• Potential Expansion: The partnership could lead to Brave supporting IO’s Midnight sidechain for confidential smart contracts.

Investing Updates : Coinbase to become the first crypto firm to join the S&P 500

Source : 

https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-listed-s-and-p-500-may-19?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

Apple Intelligence : 

• Coinbase’s Inclusion: Coinbase will join the S&P 500 on May 19, becoming the first crypto firm in the index.

• S&P 500 Significance: The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 large US companies and is a broad measure of the US stock market.

• Impact on Coinbase: Inclusion in the S&P 500 is expected to increase demand for Coinbase stock as index funds and ETFs must buy its shares.

• Stock Performance: Coinbase shares rose 8.8% to $225.4 in after-hours trading and finished the trading day up 4%.

• Market Recognition: Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 index is seen as a major milestone for the company and the crypto industry.

• S&P 500 Inclusion Criteria: Companies must be profitable, trading on a major US stock exchange, generating at least half of their revenues in the US, and have a market cap above $18 billion.

Investing Updates : Hacking Attempt on Lido Results in 1.4 Ether Lost From Oracle Provider

Source : 

https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/05/12/ethereum-staking-giant-lido-loses-just-14-eth-in-hacking-attempt

Apple Intelligence : 

• Security Incident: Lido, Ethereum’s largest liquid staking protocol, experienced a security breach involving a compromised oracle key.

• Impact of the Breach: 1.46 ETH in gas fees were stolen, but no user funds were compromised.

• Response to the Incident: Lido initiated an emergency DAO vote to rotate the compromised oracle key and enhance security.

• Security Incident: Lido experienced a security incident involving a compromised oracle key.

• Impact of the Incident: The incident resulted in the theft of 1.46 ETH in gas fees, but no user funds were affected.

• Lido’s Response: Lido launched an emergency DAO vote to rotate the compromised key and implement enhanced security measures.

• Security Incident: A hack occurred on Lido’s oracle operator.

• Mitigation Efforts: A new secure address is replacing the compromised address, with an on-chain vote already approved.

• Impact: The hack coincided with unrelated node issues experienced by other oracle operators.